Robert Gerstein

Associate Director

Robert Gerstein is an accomplished program designer and director with more than 15 years of global experience. Mr. Gerstein’s expertise in leading programs for good governance, public health, and community development. He has led portfolios of programs in Cambodia, Rwanda, and South Sudan where he worked on post-conflict reconciliation, public health, and social cohesion projects as well as co-creating community development projects in more than 20 countries. Most recently, he directed a US Government program that worked in 9 countries to promote democratic resilience, civic participation, and improved public service delivery. His expertise includes program design, turning evidence into action, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, and coalition building in complex contexts.
Mr. Gerstein holds a Master of Science degree in Poverty Reduction and International Development Management from the University of Birmingham (UK) and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Social Studies Education and Creative Studies from SUNY College at Buffalo. Although he’s lived in more than 7 countries, he’s now a happy resident of San Diego. Robert is originally from Buffalo, NY, and as a native Buffalonian he holds strong opinions on where to find the best chicken wings in San Diego County. Outside of work, Robert enjoys exploring local trails with his Rwandan rescue pup, Rowling (and his wife Lisa).